Q: I was thrilled to see "Bold and Beautiful's" John McCook was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. I was wondering about his life off the TV show. — Leslie in Magadore, Ohio

A: Wonder no more. McCook (Eric Forrester on B&B) was born in California in 1944. He married Juliet Prowse after a number of years serving as her musical director. The couple had a son, Seth. Prowse, once engaged to Frank Sinatra, died of liver cancer over a decade ago. In 1980, McCook married Laurette Spang, whom he met on the set of the primetime television show "Hotel." The couple have three children: daughters Rebecca and Molly, and son Jake. Prior to taking in the role of Eric on "Bold and Beautiful," McCook spent five years playing "Young and Restless'" suave Lance Prentiss. McCook was nominated for a Best Daytime Actor award in 2001. On the set, he is known as a jokester who keeps things light and loose.

Q: On a recent episode on "General Hospital," Monica mentioned that Sonny had taken away three of her children. I know she meant AJ, Jason and Emily. Does she have any other children? — Kathy in Boston, Mass.

A: While in medical school, Monica met and fell in love with David Langston. Their marriage plans were put on hold when he was drafted in the Vietnam War and was later listed as MIA.

Monica decided to put their daughter up for adoption. In the late 1980s, the girl, named Dawn, came to town. Monica and Dawn had a loving mother-and-daughter relationship. Dawn fell in love and married Monica's nephew through marriage, Ned. Dawn annulled the marriage after learning Ned and Monica had an affair before Monica knew Ned was her husband, Alan's, nephew. Monica was devastated when Dawn was killed the following year by friends of her mob-connected boyfriend, Decker Moss. As for the long missing David — hurt in a plane crash, he was rushed to GH. Monica served as his doctor. David died under her care.

Q: It is hard to believe that anyone but Erica Slezak has played Viki on "One Life to Live." My mom insists she remembers a redhead playing her years ago. Is she right? — Corrina in Richardson, Texas

A: Never question your mom. When OLTL went on the air in 1968, Gillian Spencer had the role. When Spencer exited in 1971, Joanne Donnan played Viki for six months. Slezak, who has won five Best Actress Emmys for her role, has been on the show since 1971. This year, she is again nominated for an Emmy. When Slezak went on maternity leave in 1981, she was replaced by Christine Jones. In 1986, Judith Barcroft took over while Slezak had her second child.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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